dead in the water

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dead in the water for learners of EnglishPowered by COBUILD

Definitions

phrase

If you say that someone or something is dead in the water, you are emphasizing that they have failed, and that there is little hope of them being successful in the future. [emphasis] ⇒ A 'no' vote would have left the treaty dead in the water.

Example sentences containing 'dead in the water'

Hotchkiss doesn't get it, Grillo won't; and Witt's dead in the water.Clive Barker THE GREAT AND SECRET SHOWShe is dead in the water thirty-five miles southwest of the Bishop.Lunnon-Wood, Mike LET NOT THE DEEPThat's when things changed and Stan discovered a life of hedonistic abandon that left us dead in the water.James Birrell THE MANANA MANJohnnyeased the throttletill the boat was almost dead in the water.James W. Hall BLACKWATER SOUND